Peter Blog a few random thoughts

The Glory of God is the final act in this three day love story of God to us. This if you like is the icing on the cake. The triumph over Sin and death is no ordinary event. In fact the events of the last three days have not been ordinary they have been extraordinary they have been supernatural. The empty tomb and the experience of the resurrection changes everything changes humanity and changes who we are. This single act of God helps us to live in freedom it is the central act of our faith that everything else hinges on. But it can only be understood as the final act of this love story. It can only be understood if we engage with the supernatural and start to see the signs of the Supernatural the Risen Christ at work in our world. If he loves us as we have discovered over the last few days he does then he must constantly at work in the world. Sometimes like the disciples we do not have the eyes or the risk of faith to see it we are comfortable in our own  world. We have to let ou...

The Popes Revenge  In the 1960s, East Germany's communist government ordered the construction of tall buildings in all major cities to create "new socialist landmarks" and to upstage churches as the defining structures of city sky lines. One such structure was in Alexandra Platz called the Radio Tower. Its opposing structure has a glass globe in the middle and is treated by many different chemicals. For the Communist party it has one major flaw. When the Sun hits the Glass structure a large white cross appears on it. The Cross then is seen over the whole of both East and West Berlin. It was nicknamed the Popes Revenge.  This story and the image that we have seen in our papers from Paris with the Cross intact among the ruble and the destruction reminds me of one thing. The power of the Cross. It is a stark reminder that the Cross conquers all things. This symbol of love and redemption is central to who we are as Christians it gives us hope and reminds us of th...

Over the next few days we will learn a great lesson in fact the greatest lesson that we can ever learn. This journey should open our hearts afresh and renewed in answering the greatest question: What does love look like?  The answer has many different facets and Jesus will show us what it actually means Jesus will show us that it will look like many different things. Each part of the answer will help us rediscover the glory of God and what he actually means to us. Are you ready for the journey Are you open for the Today in this Mass we see a depth of love from the author of love. Through these actions we are told to do the same. So let's look at what Jesus does? First of all he bends low and washes feet. The thing that in the times of Jesus was left by the slave is done by Jesus. He washes these smelly uncompromising feet. Taking then into his hands to wash. Lovely drying them what is he saying. Love is about serving your fellow human being no matter who they are. Jesus te...

The people who brought this woman to Jesus picked up stones and rocks to throw them at her. They were ready to kill her for the Sin that she had committed. So, When you pick up a Stone what does it feel like? For me, It feels cold, hard and uncompromising It has rugged edges and sometimes sharpness to it. Sometimes it feels very heavy and weighing me down.  It takes an effort to break and can’t be broken with just normal human strength.  When we pick up stones to throw at people they are not necessarily physical stones they are the stones of unforgiveness when our hearts are bound by a hardness of heart for another person or a situation. We hold on to these stones for dear life and have tension in our bodies because we like to hold on to them. We do not listen to compromise we are set firmly in our ways.  When we hold on to these stones we do not have time to listen to another we do not hear the names or the stories of those that we are condemning.  We hold ...

The Gospel message is really hard today. It's a real challenge. As I listen and pray with the Gospel it feels like an examination of Conscience.  Let's take a real life Scenario. In the news this week we have heard about Shamima Begum and the fact that she wants to come back to England. I was talking about her and saying of course she should not be allowed back into the country. My first reaction was to agree with the news and other agencies. Then I read todays gospel love your enemies pray for them do not judge be compassionate. I then realised I had done everything in this case. I was happy to listen to the news and take it and be like the rest of the world.  Praying the Gospel I began to feel uncomfortable. Here I am always ready and quick to judge, and make a judgement without the full facts. I act harshly towards those who I do not see eye to eye with and am ready to critizie. The Gospel teaches us not to think as People think but to always walk in the Spirit to ...

There is nothing worse than running out of wine at a party. You have all your guests in front of you and there is no more wine.  It always used to be the job of one or two us to do a quick run to the off licence to get some more bottles. This is what happened to the family that Jesus was attending at the wedding feast today. They had run out of wine there was none left. So Mary came to Jesus. He orders the stewards to get the jars for the ablations. 6 of them that hold 20 to 30 gallons. When they taste what they think is water it is the best wine.  There are many interesting aspects to this Gospel. The water was used to wash the dust of the feet of people coming for the feast. It would have been quite dirty water. In one sense it reminds us of  ourselves . God makes looks at what is imperfect and loves it.  John is also telling us in the Gospel story of the generosity of God to his people. 20 to 30 gallons is a lot of wine. He showers us with gifts. Nothin...

What has become of Christmas? Has the true meaning of Christmas been lost? I read somewhere that over the Christmas season in America 1 trillion dollars will be spent. I can’t imagine that. In pounds it's about 880 Billion. And all this pressure for many for just one day that goes very fast. The build up to Christmas, the present buying, the food and drink. And when you get to the shops you would think that the shops will never be open again. We put so much pressure on ourselves that we sometimes loose the try meaning. And yet with all this going on the shops are missing one special present. This present is not the latest gadget, not the trending must have this year. Not a chart song about Sausage rolls. But a present that came from God himself his Son. Jesus among us. His presence among us changes our lives it changes us it is not just for Christmas but His presence is with us in the many difficult times through the year and also all the good times those where we have laughed and...